Title: Fruits Basket
Author: Natsuki Takaya
Demographic: Shojo
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Published: 1999 – 2007
English-translated Volumes: 23
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.53
Rating: 8/10
Tohru Honda, a cheerful high schooler, has experienced her fair share of tragedy. But she won’t let it get her down! Determined to fulfill the promise she made to her mom, she takes matters into her own hands and will even live in a tent if necessary. Luckily, her tent life is cut short when she is discovered by the secretive Sohma family who insists that she move in with them. But what will happen when Tohru discovers the Sohma family secret?
Pros:
Unique story
In Fruits Basket, 13 members of the Sohma family are unwillingly possessed by zodiac animals. Under certain conditions, the family members will transform into their respective animals. This unfortunate situation has resulted in challenging and disheartening upbringings. Each zodiac family member struggles with self-acceptance and has experienced emotional trauma. As the reader, you are instantly sympathetic towards these characters and want to see them recover and live meaningful lives.
Instantly captured my attention
From volume one, Fruits Basket had my full attention. The zodiac curse was introduced in a funny and realistic way and the main characters were intriguing and unique. It can be tough for a manga to capture the reader’s attention in the first volume but Natsuki Takaya did it in the first two chapters.
Great life lessons
At the heart of Fruits Basket is a meaningful life lesson about self-acceptance, resilience, and emotional healing. You experience each character’s struggle and perseverance as they work towards a happier future. It is a rough yet fulfilling journey.
Wholesome ending
Fruits Basket has such a wholesome, feel-good ending. After witnessing each character’s personal journey, you are rewarded with a lovely finale.
Cons:
The main character
I’m sad to say that I struggle with Tohru Honda as the main character. She is an extremely kind and positive person who selflessly cares for her friends. But she is also naive, relatively unintelligent, and nauseatingly cheerful as a means to avoid her own insecurity and fear. Her compassionate, easy-going nature was critical for the Sohma family’s emotional recovery. But the author really leaned into making Tohru an airhead.
Odd part of the story
One of my favorite characters, Saki Hanajima, has a unique ability that doesn’t make much sense as to why it’s included. Her and her brother’s abilities aren’t a critical part of the story and they never use their abilities in any plot-impactful way. It isn’t related to the zodiac curse and everyone else in the story are normal humans. It felt like an unnecessary addition without any explanation.
Overall…
Fruits Basket is a feel-good story with a memorable life lesson. It shows the importance of acceptance, kindness, and friendship. If you’re looking for a first love romance with its fair share of humor and personal growth, Fruits Basket may just be for you. But you might want to have some tissues around for the later volumes.
Caroline’s Library 